Felidae Behavior

31/03/2025

I recently had to move houses. I knew it was coming, but it ended up happening really fast.

The last time I moved was when I still had Boomer and Impy. I was able to work with them for months to get them ready.

This time, I had so much to organize in such a short amount of time that I completely spaced on preparing Frankie. She is a cat who gets really anxious in new spaces and around new people, so I feel bad for dropping the ball on this.

Less than a week before the move, I realized I hadn't done any carrier training or put much thought into her experience. Since the vet comes to us, she had no negative associations with the carrier, which was helpful. I quickly tried to create a positive experience by bringing the carrier into the living room and tossing treats inside. First, I left the top open, and then I sealed it up.

I only started this a few days before our move, but luckily, when the time came, she went right into the carrier, and I was able to zip it up behind her. Food-motivated cats are the best!

When we got to the new place, I set her up in a small room with all her things, opened the carrier, and let her come out on her own. It took a few hours, but eventually, she cautiously started exploring her new home.

Now, a week later, she's confident and comfortable, and all the trauma seems to be forgotten.

18/02/2025

While in Lima, Peru, of course I had to visit a local cat café! This cozy space is home to eight cats who are all available for adoption. I was delighted to see that there was plenty of vertical space, comfy beds, and hidey-holes for when they need a break.

One of the cats who had just arrived that day was feeling nervous and hiding away in a little cave bed. With some patience and play, she slowly gained confidence—coming farther and farther out until, by the end of our 20-minute session, she was playing right out in the open! 

Play is such a powerful confidence booster for shy cats, helping them feel more comfortable in new spaces.

I actually went back for a coffee a few days later and she was snuggling with the active black and white kitty in front of the window.

If you're in Lima, I highly recommend stopping by .pe for a coffee or maracuya soda and some kitty time.

11/02/2025

One of the reasons I love coming to Lima: I don’t have to choose between yummy food and kitties! Here, I can enjoy both—picarones and cats at Parque Kennedy.

03/02/2025

Vacation Mode: Activated (Sort of!)

I’ll still be checking in while I’m away!

When we travel, it can be very stressful for our cats. Suddenly their people are gone and their routine is different.

One way to help minimize your cat’s stress is to hire a professional cat sitter to visit your cat everyday.

So, what should you look for in a cat sitter?
✔️ Are they truly a cat person who understands feline behavior?
✔️ Are they insured and bonded?
✔️ Do they know how to handle emergencies and read cat body language?

I was a professional cat sitter for 19 years, so if you need help finding the right fit for your cat, feel free to ask!

I hate leaving Frankie, but I know she will be much happier chilling at home with a sitter instead of traveling with me.

20/01/2025

Does your cat have a favorite treat? Let's find out!

While writing a blog post about clicker training, I realized something: I've never done a treat trial for Frankie! One concern I often hear from cat guardians is that their cats aren't food motivated. Here’s the thing: if your cat eats, they are food motivated—you just need to figure out what gets them excited.

A great way to do this is by setting up a treat trial. Offer a little bit of several treats all at once and see which ones your cat prefers.

Even though Frankie will eat anything (and everything, including things I try to keep away from her ), I thought it would be fun to see what she truly loves. I set up a trial with canned food, kibbles, party mix, and Churu.

I was surprised the results!

What treats does your cat go crazy for? Have you ever tried a treat trial? Let me know in the comments!

06/01/2025

Frankie is a cat who could play 24/7. It has been a long time since I've had a cat this active!
I've been thinking about what I can add to her daily routine and came up with agility training!

Agility training involves teaching your cat to perform a series of fun, active exercises that engage their bodies and minds. It can be a great way to strengthen your bond with your cat, boost their confidence, and enrich their daily lives.

While it is possible to go out and buy an agility course, I decided to create exercises using things I already have around the house.

So far my plan for Frankie's agility course will include:
*Circling my legs
*Circling a foam roller
*Jumping over a pole
*Walking through her cube
*Jumping up on a chair
*Getting on her skateboard and standing up

I'm breaking down each exercise into manageable steps, focusing on one behavior at a time. Once Frankie masters them, we'll put them all together into a full agility course! To stay organized, I even created a notebook to track each exercise, the equipment needed, and any special skills I might need to teach her.

Do you have ideas for more exercises Frankie could learn? Offer your suggestions in the comments - I'd love to hear them!

26/11/2024

During this week of Thanksgiving, I want to say how grateful I am to all the cat guardians who take the time to learn about cat behavior and put in the work to give their cats the best lives possible.

Everyday I'm inspired by my clients and their dedication to their cats.

Wishing you and your cats a happy Thanksgiving!

19/11/2024

When I heard that there is a park in Lima that is famous for its resident cat population, Parque Kennedy obviously went to the top of my list for places to visit.

It is a heartwarming sight seeing all the cats thriving and living their best lives in the park.

Many people come to the park just to see the cats and spend with them.

While a some people leave food, there are also volunteers that come daily to provide fresh food and water.

All over the park there are houses and beds that the cats use. In one corner, I even saw a collection of cardboard boxes!

And if you're worried about cleanliness, the park is closed every night and scrubbed down.

While I admired how well these cats were cared for, it also made me wonder if something like this could work in the US? My fear being that it would invite harm to the cats instead of offering them safety.

Have you ever been to Parque Kennedy in Lima or seen something similar?

04/11/2024

In my latest contribution, I discuss the common perception of cats a "jerks". I think that the language we use is important. While some cat behaviors might not be our favorites, I don't think that cats are "jerks", "a-holes" or are "bad".
Every behavior has a reason behind it. It might be a response to the environment, a need, or simply a different form of communication.
If you are feeling frustrated with your cat's behavior, remember that help is available.
Read the article and enjoy the 50(!) hilarious cat memes at: https://www.boredpanda.com/cats-being-funny-jerks-memes-pics/

01/11/2024

In my latest contribution, I discussed the common perception of cats as "jerks." But while some cat behaviors may not be our favorites, there’s no such thing as a “bad” cat. Every behavior has a reason behind it—whether it’s a response to the environment, a need, or simply a different form of communication. If you’re feeling frustrated with your cat’s behavior, remember that help is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out, as a bit of guidance can make all the difference in building harmony with your feline friend. And then enjoy all the memes!

This page is full of instances of cats being their lovable jerk selves.

29/10/2024

To celebrate Frankie got her 1st fancy e-toy!
She is mixed on the excitement of the different functions, but overall this toy is a winner.
To keep it exciting, she only gets to play with it for a few minutes at a time and then it gets put away in a cupboard.
If you have a cat, you don't have to buy them anything to celebrate, but make sure to take a moment and tell them how much you appreciate them today!

14/10/2024

It is now officially cozy season for much of the US. For me, that means watching the new season of GBBO while knitting cat toys that Frankie may or may not play with 🙄
How do you spend cozy season?

23/09/2024

New Blog Post is up on my website. This time I'm talking about tips and considerations when thinking about introducing a new cat into your home.

This is by far the number one issue that I help people with.

Topics covered include:
- Does your cat really need a companion?
- Choosing the right cat for your home.
- How to set up slow, positive introductions.
- Avoiding common mistakes and preventing conflict.

If you’ve been struggling with introducing your cats or are unsure where to start, this guide is for you!

Check out the full blog here: https://www.felidaebehavior.com/post/cat-introductions
Feel free to reach out if you need personalized help with your cats!

"Introducing a new cat? Slow, thoughtful introductions are key. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition for both cats.

11/09/2024

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve contributed to a recent article on the important topic of teaching your cat to come when called (recall training). Recall is a valuable skill that not only enhances communication between you and your cat, but also strengthens your bond and supports their safety.

Using positive reinforcement and fear-free techniques, it’s entirely possible to teach your cat to reliably respond when called. Curious to learn more? The full article provides practical tips and step-by-step guidance to help you achieve success.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or are interested in recall training for your own cat!

https://www.rover.com/blog/get-cat-to-come/

Cats may not always respond as quickly to their names. Even so, it’s absolutely possible to train your cat to come when you call them.

27/08/2024

Frankie and I are reviewing a client's training session together.
Thanks to online consults, we're able to work with cat guardians around the world. Distance doesn't have to be a barrier if you need help improving your cat's behavior!

21/08/2024

Discover the Power of Positive Reinforcement!

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve contributed to an insightful article on how positive reinforcement can help correct unwanted pet behaviors. Whether you're dealing with a mischievous kitty or an overexcited pup, understanding and using positive techniques can make a world of difference in building a strong, trust-based relationship with your furry friend.

Check out the article to learn more about how you can create a happier, stress-free environment for your pets!
https://petowner.io/qa/how-can-positive-reinforcement-help-correct-unwanted-pet-behavior/

New Q&A article featuring expert insights on Pet Owner: How Can Positive Reinforcement Help Correct Unwanted Pet Behavior?

14/08/2024

**New Blog Alert!**

With kitten season currently in full-swing in many parts of the US ,many people are bringing home a new kitten. It can be an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for your new buddy. My latest blog post is here to help! Discover expert tips on helping your kitten settle into their new home, from creating a cozy safe space to understanding their behavior and building a strong bond.

Ready to make your kitten’s transition smooth and stress-free? Check out the full blog here: https://www.felidaebehavior.com/post/how-to-help-your-new-kitten-settle-into-their-new-home

Help your new kitten settle in with expert tips on creating a safe space, understanding behavior, and building a strong bond.

24/07/2024

House soiling is a very common issue that I work on with my clients. Sometimes the cases can be quite complicated! Other times, all it takes is a simple tweak in the litter box set up to get the cat using the box again.
In my current blog post, I've offered some simple tips to try (including a vet visit!) that could resolve the issue before reaching out to a behavior professional.

House soiling in cats isn't spiteful; it's often due to other issues. Ensure proper size, cleanliness, location, and access for a happy cat.